Friday, February 27, 2009

Lovebirds Cafe (#9 in a Quest)

I've found a good one! I feel like Neil Armstrong! Yet it appears others have been there before me.

To update you, here's my quest: I'm trying to find the best coffee shop in Pasadena in which to write. That doesn't mean it's going to be the best coffee shop in Pasadena for everyone, just the best one for me. I look for good coffee, comfortable seating, something to munch on, and (this one's paramount) quiet.

I had just stomped out of my previous favorite, which shall remain nameless for now. I'm not going to rag on it now because it had to have been a fluke. The nameless place is usually fine but they were out of change and didn't give me what I ordered, the floor, tables and chairs were filthy, and as soon as I wiped off a chair and sat down they blasted the music which they've never done before. AND I'd just fed the parking meter $2.75. I'll give the nameless place another chance when I get over my pique.

I tell you the above to show you what a relief it was to happen into Lovebirds Cafe (921 E. Colorado Blvd.). The young woman at the counter was friendly. When I couldn't decide what to order (because it all looked so good) she didn't rush me, but instead pointed out some of her favorites. After I paid she even guarded my stuff while I used the ladies' room.

The tables are the right height for a laptop. The illegal marshmallow/caramel/chocolate/nut travesty I ordered was divine. (Their website says their baked goods are made daily, from scratch.) I ordered regular coffee and it was decent. The place is big - nay, vast - and clean.

And there was no music playing. None. Have I mentioned I love that? If more establishments would play that I'd go out all the time.

I knew we were on another coffee shop quest when I saw the photograph. You are so right about coffee places needing to be quiet to write. Music blasts out from so many places these days including the hairdressing salon that assumes everyone loves heavy rock played VERY loudly. Glad you found this place cos it looks so nice but I'll be interested to know if your usual place was simply having a bad day.

Gosh I understand completely. When I lived in Midhurst, Sussex, I was studying and had to write essays so whilst the children were at school I'd go to a country hotel - you could try this maybe? - and sit in the bar, in a quiet corner. If I was lucky I'd get a place near the roaring fire too. They got to know me there, I'd order coffee, biscuits, sometimes toast and write away! It was quiet and cosy, like my living room and really conducive to good work. Since that time, I've often written in coffee shops, but it has to be comfortable. I now look for wireless so I can have the laptop, which is not so easy. I recommend, therefore, a hotel which is quiet with a comfy bar. I got loads done! x Great pic.

Oh goody, this is my favorite series. Never heard of this place. I was just thinking I'm starting to get coffee'd out and may start hitting the libraries instead. But now, I want to go where Lynn goes. Do we have any country hotels around here with a roaring fire?

Thanks for the additional info, C.O.! I thought I saw the owners there but didn't want to assume. Also, I didn't have my laptop with me this time.

Jilly, my fantasy of the south of France is shaken by your description! Perhaps it should assure me that all humanity is the same.

Lynn! You've inspired me. This may become an entirely new series, or at least expand my quest. The first thing to cross my mind is that hotel bars are for hotel guests, but no bar is that exclusive. The only trouble with a bar is they may want me to order a drink. We'll see how well I write when I'm soused. But like Altadenahiker, I love this idea.

Karin, I'm not "coffeed out" (that'll never happen) but I want to expand my horizons to the libraries. If you want to try the hotel bars with me, this can be a whole different kind of quest. I don't know if the Ritz (aka Langham Huntington) has a fireplace. I do know if we go there it'll be like paying rent to use their very attractive space. They probably don't mind business meetings in the bar, though...

Margaret, it was delicious - They called it a s'more, but it was more than a s'more. It was so sweet it took me an hour to eat it while I sipped my coffee.

Desiree, I drove from the other spot, a place I usually love (and haven't posted about yet because I haven't gotten a good picture). But I'd love to know which place you're thinking of. Perhaps via email? I should add it to my quest.

Oh, I love Lovebirds! Their cookies and pastries are divine - I like their heart jam/chocolate filled cookie. My only gripe is that they close too early. And I also second the owners being super nice! I usually try to pick up something sweet from Lovebirds and lunch from Pita before I head to the airport.

Please FedEx me a dozen of those chocolate marshmallow thingies at your earliest convenience. Those alone would make me want to spend time here! I'm glad you've finally found a good place to go and write. When I was in Missoula I went to a few different coffee hangouts, and in each I was thinking "Hmm, I wonder if this would be a good place for Petrea." I did find one that I think you'd really like, if you ever need a place to write in Missoula. Amazing pastries, etc. made on-site, lots and lots of huge tables, free wi-fi, and it was amazingly quiet. I think there was music playing, but it was on so low that it was barely audible. I wish I could have spent more time there!

Ooh, part of my favorite series! This place looks really nice! I'm so glad you found a spot you like, although sorry you had to go through the frustration of the other place. I love Lynn's idea, you'll have to let us kn0w your findings. If you;re ever in Petoskey, I have the perfect place for you--the Perry Hotel! It is lovely, and they do have roaring fires and simply wonderful coffee!

Sounds fun checking out all the coffee places. Maybe you dont want to find the perfect one. Then the quest would be over. Also, If you were to find one that was very quiet, it might mean its not getting enough buisness and will soon be out of buisness. I know I spelt that wrong lol. But yes quiet is good with just a little noise in the background.

1 other thing, P: I seem to recall an occasional playing of de muzik @ the Lovebird. I'm not foolproof certain of it but there seems to be a tune hiding in the deep recesses of my past mind. Hope I'm wrong.

Marley, yes, I did fall in love with Lovebirds. Seems a lot of other folks love it too. Don't worry Postie, they were getting plenty of business while I was there! And even though it's as big as a cavern, it wasn't loud and echoing.

I don't mind a little music, Cafe, I just don't like it blasting. Lovebirds has class.

I'm enjoying the Quest and it surprises me that PDP's out of town guests like it too! Christie, if I ever visit Petoskey I'll try the Perry, but first I'm going to the Roast & Toast.

Vanda. I'm sorry. We do have a Panera. I've mostly been doing just local businesses, but maybe I'll post about Panera if I get over there with the laptop.